U.S. patent application number 13/052860 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-29 for printer and terminal device.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Kiyotaka OHARA.
Application Number | 20110235113 13/052860 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43901195 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110235113 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OHARA; Kiyotaka |
September 29, 2011 |
PRINTER AND TERMINAL DEVICE
Abstract
A printer may supply print instruction screen data to a terminal
device. The terminal device may supply selection information to the
printer in a case where an instruction button in the print
instruction screen is selected by a user. The printer may make, in
a case where the selection information is obtained from the
terminal device, a requirement requiring the terminal device to
supply target data of a print target. The terminal device may
supply the target data in accordance with the requirement. The
printer may print an image represented by the target data.
Inventors: |
OHARA; Kiyotaka;
(Nagoya-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Nagoya-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
43901195 |
Appl. No.: |
13/052860 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1288 20130101;
G06F 3/1205 20130101; G06F 3/1237 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/00 20060101
G06F015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 24, 2010 |
JP |
2010-067689 |
Claims
1. A printer configured to be connected with a terminal device via
a network, the printer comprising: a screen data supplying unit
configured to supply print instruction screen data to the terminal
device, the print instruction screen data being capable of being
interpreted by a web browser of the terminal device, the print
instruction screen data representing a print instruction screen
which includes an instruction button for instructing the printer to
perform a print; a target data requiring unit configured to make,
in a case where selection information is obtained from the terminal
device, a requirement requiring the terminal device to supply
target data of a print target, wherein the selection information is
supplied from the terminal device to the printer in a case where
the instruction button in the print instruction screen is selected
by a user of the terminal device; a target data obtaining unit
configured to obtain the target data supplied from the terminal
device in accordance with the requirement; and a print performing
unit configured to print an image represented by the target
data.
2. The printer as in claim 1, wherein the screen data supplying
unit sets a first port number as a destination port number so as to
supply the print instruction screen data, the first port number
being a port number assigned to the web browser of the terminal
device, and the target data requiring unit sets a second port
number different from the first port number as a destination port
number so as to make the requirement.
3. The printer as in claim 1, wherein the screen data supplying
unit further supplies print setting screen data to the terminal
device, the print setting screen data capable of being interpreted
by the web browser of the terminal device, the print setting screen
data representing a print setting screen which includes a setting
field for setting a print condition of the printer, the printer
further comprises: a current print condition data obtaining unit
configured to obtain, from the terminal device, current print
condition data indicating a first print condition set by the user
on the print setting screen, wherein the print performing unit
prints the image represented by the target data in accordance with
the first print condition indicated by the current print condition
data.
4. The printer as in claim 3, wherein when making the requirement,
the target data requiring unit further supplies, to the terminal
device, partial print condition data indicating at least a part of
contents of a plurality of setting items included in the first
print condition, such that the terminal device creates the target
data from original data in accordance with the part of the contents
of the plurality of setting items.
5. The printer as in claim 3, wherein the current print condition
data obtaining unit registers an association of the current print
condition data and identification information of the terminal
device in a non-volatile memory if a registration of the current
print condition data is instructed from the terminal device, and
the current print condition data obtaining unit does not register
the current print condition data in the non-volatile memory if the
registration of the current print condition data is not instructed
from the terminal device.
6. The printer as in claim 5, further comprising: an identification
information obtaining unit configured to obtain the identification
information of the terminal device from the terminal device before
the screen data supplying unit supplies the print setting screen
data to the terminal device, wherein in a case where specific print
condition data associated with the obtained identification
information is registered in the non-volatile memory, the screen
data supplying unit supplies, to the terminal device, the print
setting screen data in which a second print condition indicated by
the specific print condition data is described.
7. The printer as in claim 3, further comprising: a return unit
configured to return, after the current print condition data
obtaining unit obtains the current print condition data from the
terminal device, the obtained current print condition data to the
terminal device, such that the obtained current print condition
data is registered in the terminal device.
8. The printer as in claim 7, further comprising: a registered
print condition data obtaining unit configured to obtain registered
print condition data from the terminal device before the screen
data supplying unit supplies the print setting screen data to the
terminal device, the registered print condition data being print
condition data which has been registered in the terminal device,
wherein the screen data supplying unit supplies, to the terminal
device, the print setting screen data in which a third print
condition indicated by the registered print condition data is
described, and the return unit returns, after the current print
condition data obtaining unit obtains the current print condition
data from the terminal device, the obtained current print condition
data to the terminal device, such that the obtained current print
condition data is registered in the terminal device in place of the
registered print condition data.
9. The printer as in claim 7, wherein the return unit returns the
current print condition data to the terminal device if information
indicating a registration of the current print condition data is
obtained from the terminal device, and the return unit does not
return the current print condition data to the terminal device if
the information indicating the registration of the current print
condition data is not obtained from the terminal device.
10. The printer as in claim 1, wherein the screen supplying unit
further supplies status screen data to the terminal device in the
case where the selection information is obtained from the terminal
device, the status screen data being capable of being interpreted
by the web browser of the terminal device, the status screen data
representing a status screen which indicates a print situation of
the printer.
11. A terminal device configured to be connected with a printer via
a network, the terminal device comprising: a screen data obtaining
unit configured to obtain print instruction screen data from the
printer, the print instruction screen data being capable of being
interpreted by a web browser of the terminal device, the print
instruction screen data representing a print instruction screen
which includes an instruction button for instructing the printer to
perform a print; a selection information supplying unit configured
to supply selection information to the printer in a case where the
instruction button in the print instruction screen is selected by a
user of the terminal device; a target data requirement obtaining
unit configured to obtain, from the printer, after the selection
information is supplied to the printer, a requirement requiring the
terminal device to supply target data of a print target; and a
target data supplying unit configured to supply the target data in
accordance with the requirement.
12. The terminal device as in claim 11, wherein a function of the
screen data obtaining unit is realized by the web browser of the
terminal device to which a first port number is assigned, and a
function of the target data requirement obtaining unit is realized
by a specific software to which a second port number different from
the first port number is assigned.
13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a
computer program for a printer configured to be connected with a
terminal device via a network, the computer program including
instructions for ordering a computer mounted on the printer to
perform: supplying print instruction screen data to the terminal
device, the print instruction screen data being capable of being
interpreted by a web browser of the terminal device, the print
instruction screen data representing a print instruction screen
which includes an instruction button for instructing the printer to
perform a print; making, in a case where selection information is
obtained from the terminal device, a requirement requiring the
terminal device to supply target data of a print target, wherein
the selection information is supplied from the terminal device to
the printer in a case where the instruction button in the print
instruction screen is selected by a user of the terminal device;
obtaining the target data supplied from the terminal device in
accordance with the requirement; and making a print performing unit
print an image represented by the target data.
14. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a
computer program for a terminal device configured to be connected
with a printer via a network, the computer program including
instructions for ordering a computer mounted on the terminal device
to perform: obtaining print instruction screen data from the
printer, the print instruction screen data being capable of being
interpreted by a web browser of the terminal device, the print
instruction screen data representing a print instruction screen
which includes an instruction button for instructing the printer to
perform a print; supplying selection information to the printer in
a case where the instruction button in the instruction screen is
selected by a user of the terminal device; obtaining, from the
printer, after the selection information is supplied to the
printer, a requirement requiring the terminal device to supply
target data of a print target; and supplying the target data in
accordance with the requirement.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent
Application No. 2010-067689, filed on Mar. 24, 2010, the contents
of which are hereby incorporated by reference into the present
application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present specification discloses a technique regarding a
communication to be performed between a printer and a terminal
device via a network.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0003] For example, a system comprising a client device, a print
server, and a printer is known. In this system, the client device
accesses the print server using a web browser installed in the
client device. When accessed by the client device, the print server
sends a print setting page that can be interpreted by the web
browser to the client device. A user of the client device can set a
print condition (e.g., a paper size, a number of colors, or the
like) on the print setting page. Upon finishing setting the print
condition, the user operates an OK button on the print setting
page. At this point, a sending, module of the client device is
activated, whereby the sending module sends data indicating a
specific print condition set by the user to the print server. In
addition, the sending module instructs a transfer module of the
client device to transfer a specific file of a print target to the
print server. Accordingly, the transfer module transfers the
specific file to the print server. The print server creates print
data in accordance with the specific print condition using the
specific file and sends the print data to the printer. The printer
performs printing in accordance to the print data.
SUMMARY
[0004] In the technique described above, it is assumed that, when
performing print is instructed on the print setting page by the
user of the client device (in other words, when the OK button is
operated), the web browser of the client device instructs the
sending module to cause the transfer module to transfer the
specific file. Accordingly, pursuant to an instruction from the web
browser, the sending module instructs the transfer module to
transfer the specific file, and pursuant to an instruction from the
sending module, the transfer module transfers the specific file to
the print server. In other words, in the above technique, when
performing print is instructed on a web page, a special mechanism
(program) that enables the web browser to give, an instruction to
the sending module which causes the transfer module to transfer the
specific file must be added to the web browser.
[0005] The present specification provides a technique that enables
a terminal device to supply target data of a print target to a
printer when performing print is instructed on a web page without
having to add the aforementioned special mechanism to a web
browser.
[0006] The present specification discloses a printer configured to
be connected with the terminal device via a network. The printer
may comprise a screen data supplying unit, a target data requiring
unit, a target data obtaining unit, and a print performing unit.
The screen data supplying unit may be configured to supply print
instruction screen data to the terminal device. The print
instruction screen data may be capable of being interpreted by a
web browser of the terminal device. The print instruction screen
data may represent a print instruction screen which includes an
instruction button for instructing the printer to perform a print.
The target data requiring unit may be configured to make, in a case
where selection information is obtained from the terminal device, a
requirement requiring the terminal device to supply target data of
a print target. The selection information may be supplied from the
terminal device to the printer in a case where the instruction
button in the print instruction screen is selected by a user of the
terminal device. Further, the selection information may be, but not
limited to, information indicating that the instruction button in
the print instruction screen has been selected by the user. The
target data obtaining unit may be configured to obtain the target
data supplied from the terminal device in accordance with the
requirement. The print performing unit may be configured to print
an image represented by the target data.
[0007] The present specification discloses a terminal device
configured to be connected with a printer via a network. The
terminal device may comprise a screen data obtaining unit, a
selection information supplying unit, a target data requirement
obtaining unit, and a target data supplying unit. The screen data
obtaining unit may be configured to obtain print instruction screen
data from the printer. The print instruction screen data may be
capable of being interpreted by a web browser of the terminal
device. The print instruction screen data may represent a print
instruction screen which includes an instruction button for
instructing the printer to perform a print. The selection
information supplying unit may be configured to supply selection
information to the printer in a case where the instruction button
in the print instruction screen is selected by a user. The target
data requirement obtaining unit may be configured to obtain, from
the printer, after the selection information is supplied to the
printer, a requirement requiring the terminal device to supply
target data of a print target. The target data supplying unit may
be configured to supply the target data in accordance with the
requirement.
[0008] Moreover, a control method, a computer program, and a
non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing the
computer program for realizing the printer described above are also
novel and useful. In addition, a control method, a computer
program, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
storing the computer program for realizing the terminal device
described above are also novel and useful. Furthermore, a system
comprising the aforementioned printer and terminal device is also
novel and useful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a network system
according to an embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a sequence diagram of processes executed
by respective devices according to a first embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a sequence diagram that is a continuation
of FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a first response process
of S50 in FIG. 3;
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a second response process
of S70 in FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a setting page;
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a sequence diagram of processes executed
by respective devices according to a second embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of a first response process
of S150 in FIG. 7; and
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of a second response process
of S170 in FIG. 7.
EMBODIMENT
First Embodiment
[0018] (System Configuration)
[0019] A first embodiment will be described with reference to the
drawings. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a network system 2 comprises a
plurality of printers 10 and a PC 60. The plurality of printers 10
is connected to the PC 60 via a network (such as a LAN) 4. The
plurality of printers 10 and the PC 60 are able to communicate
between each other via the network 4. While only one PC 60 is
disclosed in FIG. 1, other PCs may additionally be connected to the
network 4.
[0020] (Configuration of Printer 10)
[0021] A configuration of the printer 10 will be described. Note
that configurations of printers 50 and 52 are similar to the
configuration of the printer 10. The printer 10 comprises a display
unit 12, an operation unit 14, a print mechanism 16, a network
interface 18, a memory 20, and a controlling unit 30. The display
unit 12 is a display for displaying various types of information.
The operation unit 14 comprises a plurality of keys. By operating
the operation unit 14, a user can input various instructions into
the printer 10. The print mechanism 16 is a print mechanism
employing an inkjet system, a laser system, or the like. The
network interface 18 is connected to the network 4.
[0022] The memory 20 is a non-volatile memory. Note that a volatile
memory (work area) included in the printer 10 is not illustrated in
FIG. 1. The memory 20 stores, in a process performed in S76 in FIG.
5 (to be described later), an association of identification
information (hereinafter referred to as a "CID (Client ID)") of the
PC 60 and print condition data 24 obtained from the PC 60. The CID
of the PC 60 is, e.g., a MAC address of the PC 60. The memory 20
further stores a program 26 to be executed by the controlling unit
30. Functions of respective units 32 to 44 are realized as a result
of the controlling unit 30 executing processes according to the
program 26.
[0023] (Configuration of PC 60)
[0024] The PC 60 comprises a display unit 62, an operation unit 64,
a network interface 68, a memory 70, and a controlling unit 90. The
display unit 62 is a display for displaying various types of
information. The operation unit 64 comprises a mouse and a
keyboard. By operating the operation unit 64, a user can input
various instructions into the PC 60. The network interface 68 is
connected to the network 4.
[0025] The memory 70 is a non-volatile memory. Note that a volatile
memory (work area) included in the PC 60 is not illustrated in FIG.
1. In addition, while FIG. 1 illustrates the memory 70 as though
storing print condition data 74, a configuration where the memory
70 stores print condition data 74 is used in a second embodiment to
be described later. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the
memory 70 need not store the print condition data 74. The memory 70
stores various programs 76, 78, 80, and 82 to be executed by the
controlling unit 30.
[0026] An application program 76 is a known application program,
e.g., text editing software such as word-processing software or
spreadsheet software. A print manager program 78 is a program for
realizing various print-related functions at the printer 10 and the
like. A browser program 80 is a program for realizing various
functions related to communication and display of a web page. An OS
(Operating System) program 82 is a program that collaborates with
the respective programs 76, 78, and 80 to realize various basic
functions. An arrow D1 indicates that there is a function realized
by a collaboration of the browser program 80 and the OS program 82.
Similarly, as indicated by an arrow D2, there is a function
realized by a collaboration of the print manager program 78, the
browser program 80, and the OS program 82. In addition, as
indicated by an arrow D3, there is a function realized without the
participation of the browser program 80 by a collaboration of the
print manager program 78 and the OS program 82.
[0027] The controlling unit 90 is capable of executing various
processes according to the respective programs 76, 78, 80, and 82.
In particular, functions of respective units 92 to 98 are realized
as a result of the controlling unit 90 executing processes
according to the print manager program 78 and the browser program
80.
[0028] (Processes Executed by the Respective Devices 10, 50, 52,
and 60)
[0029] Next, contents of processes executed by the respective
devices 10, 50, 52, and 60 will be described with reference to
FIGS. 2 to 5. In FIGS. 2 and 3, "browser 80" denotes functions
realized by the controlling unit 90 of the PC 60 by executing the
browser program 80. Similarly, "print manager 78" and "application
76" respectively denote functions realized by the controlling unit
90 of the PC 60 by executing the print manager program 78 and the
application program 76.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the print manager 78 makes, at a
predetermined timing (e.g., at a timing when power of the PC 60 is
turned on), a requirement requiring to supply printer information
(S10). Specifically, the print manager 78 broadcasts a
predetermined command 100 to the network 4. Moreover, as indicated
by the arrow D3 in FIG. 1, the process of S10 is realized by the
collaboration of the print manager program 78 and the OS program
82. The respective printers 10, 50, and 52 receive the
predetermined command 100. In response to the predetermined command
100, the respective printers 10, 50, and 52 supply their own
printer information 102 to the PC 60 (S12). Accordingly, the print
manager 78 of the PC 60 obtains a plurality of printer information
102 corresponding to the plurality of printers 10, 50, and 52. The
print manager 78 registers the plurality of obtained printer
information 102 in a volatile memory (not shown).
[0031] Printer information 102 includes a PID (Printer ID), an SURL
(Setting URL), a JURL (Job URL), a model name, and a printer name.
For example, the PID is an ID for identifying the printer 10 and
is, e.g., a MAC address. In addition, the printer 10 is equipped
with a web server function. In other words, the program 26 (refer
to FIG. 1) of the printer 10 includes a web server program. The
SURL is a URL for the web server of the printer 10 to obtain a
requirement for a web page and to supply data in accordance with
the requirement. This web page represents, a setting page for
allowing a user of the PC 60 to instruct setting of a print
condition and to instruct performing print. In addition, the JURL
is an URL for the web server of the printer 10 to obtain a print
job, i.e., target data of a print target. The model name is a model
name determined in advance by a vendor of the printer 10. The
printer name is a printer name (node name) registered in advance in
the printer 10 by a user (administrator) of the printer 10.
[0032] By operating the operation unit 64 of the PC 60, the user
can activate the application program 76 such as word-processing
software or the like. By further operating the operation unit 64 of
the PC 60, the user can designate a specific file generated
according to the application program 76 and cause an image
represented by the specific file to be displayed on the display
unit 62. The user can input an instruction to print the image
represented by the specific file into the PC 60 (S20). In this
case, the application 76 makes a requirement requiring the print
manager 78 to supply a printer list (S22). Specifically, the
application 76 sends a list requirement command 120 to the print
manager 78. In accordance with the list requirement command 120,
the print manager 78 supplies a printer list 122 including the
aforementioned plurality of printer information 102 to the
application 76 (S24). The application 76 causes the printer list
122 to be displayed on the display unit 62 of the PC 60. In other
words, the model names, the printer names, and the like of the
respective printers 10, 50, and 52 are displayed on the display
unit 62. Accordingly, the user is able to know that the plurality
of printers 10, 50, and 52 capable of performing print is connected
to the network 4.
[0033] By operating the operation unit 64 of the PC 60, the user
can select a single printer to perform print from the plurality of
printers 10, 50, and 52 (S28). At this point, the application 76
instructs the print manager 78 to perform a print preparation
operation. Specifically, the application 76 sends a print
preparation command 130 to the print manager 78. The print
preparation command 130 includes a PID of the printer selected by
the user in S28 and the aforementioned specific file (hereinafter
referred to as "original data") 132 designated by the user in S20.
Hereinafter, the description will continue using an example of a
case where the printer 10 is selected by the user in S28.
[0034] Upon obtaining the print preparation command 130, the print
manager 78 first generates a new JID (Job ID). The JID is an ID for
identifying a print job. Furthermore, the print manager 78
associates a generated JID with original data 132 included in the
print preparation command 130, and stores the same in a volatile
memory (not shown). Next, the print manager 78 identifies a SURL of
the printer 10 from printer information 102 obtained from the
printer 10. Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the print
manager 78 makes a requirement requiring the browser 80 to obtain a
setting page. Specifically, the print manager 78 sends a page
obtaining requirement command 140 to the browser 80. The page
obtaining requirement command 140 includes the identified SURL of
the printer 10, a generated JID, and a CID of the PC 60.
[0035] The browser 80 is activated upon sending of the page
obtaining requirement command 140 to the browser 80 (S42). At this
point, the browser 80 generates a new WID (Window ID). The WID is
an ID for identifying a window for displaying a web page. In
addition, the browser 80 notifies the generated WID and the JID
included in the page obtaining requirement command 140 to the print
manager 78 (S44). Accordingly, the print manager 78 associates the
WID and the JID with each other and stores the same in the volatile
memory (not shown). Furthermore, the browser 80 generates a port
number of the browser 80 (hereinafter referred to as a "BPN
(Browser Port Number)"). The browser 80 generates the BPN by
randomly selecting a single port number from a range of port
numbers determined in advance. Meanwhile, a port number of the
print manager 78 (hereinafter referred to as an "MPN (Manager Port
Number)") of the PC 60 is a fixed port number determined in
advance. The MPN is not included in the aforementioned range of
port numbers for generating the BPN of the browser 80. Therefore,
the BPN and the MPN differ from each other.
[0036] Next, the browser 80 makes a requirement requiring the
printer 10 to supply a setting page (S46). Specifically, the
browser 80 sends a setting page requirement command 160 to the
printer 10. In the setting page requirement command 160, the SURL
of the printer 10 (the SURL included in the page obtaining
requirement command 140) is set as a destination URL. In addition,
in the setting page requirement command 160, the generated BPN is
set as a sender port number. Furthermore, the setting page
requirement command 160 includes the JID included in the page
obtaining requirement command 140 and the CID of the PC 60 included
in the page obtaining requirement command 140.
[0037] By having the print manager 78 supply the page obtaining
requirement command 140 to the browser 80 as described above, the
browser 80 supplies the setting page requirement command 160 to the
printer 10. Therefore, as indicated by the arrow D2 in FIG. 1,
these processes are realized by the collaboration of the print
manager program 78, the browser program 80, and the OS program
82.
[0038] The controlling unit 30 of the printer 10 obtains the
setting page requirement command 160 from the PC 60. As described
above, the setting page requirement command 160 includes the CID of
the PC 60. Therefore, by having the controlling unit 30 of the
printer 10 obtain the setting page requirement command 160, an
identification information obtaining unit 40 obtains the CID of the
PC 60. Since the SURL of the printer 10 is set as the destination
URL in the setting page requirement command 160, a web server
program of the printer 10 is activated. The controlling unit 30 of
the printer 10 executes a first response process according to the
web server program (S50).
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the first response process, a
screen data supplying unit 32 of the printer 10 determines whether
or not print condition data is registered in the memory 20 in
association with the CID of the PC 60 included in the setting page
requirement command 160 (S52). If YES in S52, the screen data
supplying unit 32 creates setting page data representing a setting
page in which a print condition is described. This print condition
is indicated by the print condition data registered in association
with the CID of the PC 60 (hereinafter referred to as a "registered
print condition") (S54). Specifically, the screen data supplying
unit 32 obtains a setting page template stored in advance in the
memory 20, and writes the aforementioned registered print condition
into the template. The aforementioned template is described in a
data format such as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) and XML
(Extensible Markup Language) that can be interpreted by the browser
80 of the PC 60. Therefore, setting page data to be created in S54
(as well as in S56 to be described later) also has a data format
that can be interpreted by the browser 80 of the PC 60.
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a setting page 300. The
setting page 300 includes a setting field 302 that allows the user
to set a print condition of the printer 10. The print condition of
the printer 10 includes a plurality of setting items (number of
copies, color, print resolution, whether or not duplex printing is
to be performed, paper size, print orientation of document, and the
like). Therefore, the setting field 302 is a field (area) used by
the user to set contents of the plurality of setting items.
Contents (e.g., "1" for number of copies and "color" for color) of
the respective setting items included in the setting field 302 are
not initially described in the setting page template. In S54, the
screen data supplying unit 32 writes the contents of the respective
setting items included in the registered print condition into the
setting field 302 of the setting page template.
[0041] The setting page 300 further includes a registration button
304 that allows the user to select whether or not the print
condition data indicating the print condition set in the setting
field 302 is to be registered to the printer 10. The registration
button 304 is a so-called radio button, and a selection of "YES"
signifies registration and a selection of "NO" signifies no
registration. Moreover, in the setting page template, the
registration button 304 is in a state where "NO" has initially been
selected. In addition, the setting page 300 further includes a
print button 306 and a cancel button 308. The buttons 306 and 308
are included in advance in the setting page template.
[0042] In the case of NO in S52 in FIG. 4, the screen data
supplying unit 32 creates setting page data representing a setting
page in which a default print condition is described (S56). The
default print condition refers to a print condition designated in
advance by the user (administrator) of the printer 10. The memory
20 of the printer 10 stores default print condition data
representing the default print condition. In S56, the screen data
supplying unit 32 obtains the setting page template and writes the
contents of the respective setting items included in the default
print condition into the setting field 302 of the setting page
template.
[0043] Once S54 or S56 is completed, the screen data supplying unit
32 supplies the setting page data created in S54 or S56 to the PC
60 (S58). Moreover, in S58, the screen data supplying unit 32 sets
the BPN (the port number of the browser 80), that is set as the
sender port number of the setting page requirement command 160
illustrated in FIG. 3, as a destination port number. Therefore, the
setting page data is supplied to the browser 80 of the PC 60. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, information 170 to be supplied to the
browser 80 of the PC 60 in S58 includes the setting page data 172
generated in S54 or S56, the JED included in the setting page
requirement command 160, and the CID of the PC 60 included in the
setting page requirement command 160.
[0044] In S60 in FIG. 3, the browser 80 of the PC 60 first obtains
the information 170 from the printer 10. Accordingly, a screen data
obtaining unit 92 of the PC 60 obtains the setting page data 172
included in the information 170. The browser 80 causes the setting
page 300 (refer to FIG. 6) represented by the setting page data 172
to be displayed on the display unit 62. Specifically, the browser
80 causes the setting page 300 to be displayed in a window
corresponding to the WID generated in S44. By controlling the
operation unit 64, the user can change the contents of the
respective setting items included in the setting field 302 in the
setting page 300. In other words, the user can set the print
condition to be used for the print at this time (hereinafter
referred to as a "current print condition").
[0045] Furthermore, by operating the operation unit 64, the user
can select a print button 306 (e.g., by performing a click
operation of the print button 306) in the setting page 300 (S62).
In this case, the browser 80 sends a notification command 180
indicating a print performing instruction to the printer 10 (S64).
Accordingly, a selection information supplying unit 94 of the PC 60
supplies the notification command 180 to the printer 10. In the
notification command 180, the SURL of the printer 10 is set as the
destination URL and the port number BPN of the browser 80 is set as
the sender port number. The notification command 180 includes the
JID, the CID of the PC 60, current print condition data 182, and
registration information 184. The current print condition data 182
is data indicating the print condition (hereinafter referred to as
a "current print condition") displayed in the setting field 302 in
the setting page 300 when the print button 306 is operated (upon
operation of S62). In addition, the registration information 184 is
data indicating whether "YES" or "NO" of the registration button
304 in the setting page 300 is selected when the print button 306
has been operated (upon operation of S62). Moreover, alternatively,
the registration information 184 may be arranged so as to be
included in the notification command 180 only when "YES" of the
registration button 304 in the setting page 300 is selected.
[0046] When the browser 80 (screen data obtaining unit 92) obtains
setting page data 172 from the printer 10 and an operation of S62
(print performing instruction) is performed as described above, the
browser 80 (selection information supplying unit 94) supplies the
notification command 180 to the printer 10 (S64). Therefore, as
indicated by the arrow D1 in FIG. 1, these processes are realized
by the collaboration of the browser program 80 and the OS program
82.
[0047] The controlling unit 30 of the printer 10 obtains the
notification command 180 from the PC 60. Accordingly, a current
print condition data obtaining unit 38 of the PC 10 obtains the
current print condition data 182 included in the notification
command 180. Since the SURL of the printer 10 is set as the
destination URL in the notification command 180, upon obtaining the
notification command 180, the controlling unit 30 of the printer 10
executes, a second response process according to the web server
program (S70).
[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the second response process,
the screen data supplying unit 32 of the printer 10 supplies status
page data representing a status page indicating a current print
situation of the printer 10 to the PC 60 (S72). The status page
data is also described in a data format that can be interpreted by
the browser 80 of the PC 60. Moreover, in S72, the screen data
supplying unit 32 sets the BPN (the port number of the browser 80),
that is set as the sender port number of the notification command
180 illustrated in FIG. 3, as the destination port number.
Therefore, the status page data is supplied, to the browser 80 of
the PC 60. At the stage of S72, the status page includes a
character string of, e.g., "preparing to print". As illustrated in
FIG. 3, information 190 supplied to the PC 60 in S72 includes
status page data 192 and the JID included in the notification
command 180. The status page data 192 further includes data
indicating a refresh time.
[0049] The browser 80 of the PC 60 obtains the information 190 from
the printer 10. The browser 80 causes a status page represented by
the status page data 192 included in the information 190 to be
displayed on the display unit 62 (S80). Specifically, the browser
80 updates the display in the window corresponding to the WID
generated in S44 from the setting page 300 to the status page.
Accordingly, the user of the terminal device can learn the current
print situation of the printer 10.
[0050] The browser 80 obtains the status page data 192 from the
printer 10 as described above and the browser 80 causes the status
page to be displayed on the display unit 62 (S80). Therefore, as
indicated by the arrow D1 in FIG. 1, these processes are realized
by the collaboration of the browser program 80 and the OS program
82.
[0051] Moreover, although not shown in FIG. 3, when the refresh
time included in the status page data 192 lapses, the browser 80
makes a requirement requiring the printer 10 to supply a new status
page. Specifically, the browser 80 sends a status page requirement
command including the JID included in the information 190 to the
printer 10. The screen data supplying unit 32 of the printer 10
supplies the PC 60 with new status page data representing a status
page (e.g., a status page including a character string of
"printing") indicating a current print situation corresponding to
the JID included in the status page requirement command. The
browser 80 updates the display in the window corresponding to the
WID generated in S44 to the new status page. The new status page
data also includes data representing a refresh time. Therefore,
when the refresh time included in the new status page data lapses,
the browser 80 once again makes a requirement requiring the printer
10 to supply a new status page. In other words, the requirement,
supply, and display of new status pages are repetitively performed.
Accordingly, the user of the PC60 can learn the latest print
situation of the printer 10.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 5, after S72 is completed, the
current print condition data obtaining unit 38 of the printer 10
determines whether or not the registration information 184 included
in the notification command 180 indicates "YES" (in other words,
"YES" of the registration button 304 illustrated in FIG. 6) (S74).
If YES in S74, the current print condition data obtaining unit 38
registers, in the non-volatile memory 20, an association of the
current print condition data 182 included in the notification
command 180 and the CID of the PC 60 included in the notification
command 180 (S76). If print condition data is already registered in
the memory 20 in association with the CID of the PC 60 when
performing the process of S76, the current print condition data
obtaining unit 38 erases the registered print condition data from
the memory 20. Upon completion of S76, the current print condition
data obtaining unit 38 proceeds to S78.
[0053] On the other hand, if NO in S74 (in other words, when the
registration information 184 indicates "NO"), the current print
condition data obtaining unit 38 skips S76 and proceeds to S78.
That is, in this case, the current print condition data obtaining
unit 38 does not register the current print condition data 182 in
the non-volatile memory 20. Moreover, regardless of whether S74
results in YES or NO, the current print condition data obtaining
unit 38 stores, in the volatile memory (not shown), an association
of the current print condition data 182 and the JID included in the
notification command 180.
[0054] In S78, the target data requiring unit 34 of the printer 10
makes a requirement requiring the PC 60 to supply target data.
Specifically, the target data requiring unit 34 sends a job
requirement command to the PC 60. In S78, the target data requiring
unit 34 sets the port number MPN of the print manager 78 of the PC
60 as the destination port number. Therefore, the job requirement
command is supplied to the print manager 78 of the PC 60. The MPN
is stored in advance in the memory 20 of the printer 10. As shown
in FIG. 3, a job requirement command 200 supplied to the print
manager 78 of the PC 60 in S78 includes the JID included in the
notification command 180 and part print condition data 202. The
part print condition data 202 is data indicating contents of a
limited number of setting items, ranging from one or more but not
all, among the plurality of setting items included in the current
print condition indicated by the current print condition data 182.
The one or more setting items included in the part print condition
data 202 may be referred to as "partial setting items". In the
present embodiment, color, resolution, and paper size are the
partial setting items described above. Therefore, the part print
condition data 202 is data indicating the content of color (e.g.,
"color") included in the current print condition, the content of
resolution (e.g., "300 dpi") included in the current print
condition, and the content of paper size (e.g., "A4") included in
the current print condition.
[0055] The print manager 78 of the PC 60 obtains the job
requirement command 200 from the printer 10. Accordingly, a target
data requirement obtaining unit 96 of the PC 60 obtains the job
requirement command 200. As indicated by the arrow D3 in FIG. 1,
this process is realized by the collaboration of the print manager
program 78 and the OS program 82.
[0056] In S82 illustrated in FIG. 3, the print manager 78 of the PC
60 creates the target data of the print target. As described above,
when obtaining the print preparation command 130 illustrated in
FIG. 2, the print manager 78 associates the JID with original data
132 and stores the same in the volatile memory (not shown). In S82,
the print manager 78 obtains the original data 132 associated with
the HD included in the job requirement command 200 from the
volatile memory. Next, the print manager 78 generates target data
from the original data 132 according to part print condition data
202 (the respective contents of color, resolution, and paper size)
included in the job requirement command 200. Specifically, e.g.,
when the content of color indicated by the part print condition
data 202 is "color", the print manager 78 creates the target data
conforming to color printing, and when the content of color
indicated by the part print condition data 202 is "monochrome", the
print manager 78 creates the target data conforming to monochrome
printing. In addition, the print manager 78 creates the target data
conforming to the resolution indicated by the part print condition
data 202, and creates the target data conforming to the paper size
indicated by the part print condition data 202.
[0057] Next, the print manager 78 identifies the JURL of the
printer 10 based on the printer information 102 (refer to FIG. 2)
obtained from the printer 10. The print manager 78 then makes a
requirement requiring the browser 80 to supply the target data
(S84). Specifically, the print manager 78 sends a target data
supplying command 210 to the browser 80. The target data supplying
command 210 includes the target data 212 created in S82, the
identified JURL of the printer 10, and the JID included in the job
requirement command 200.
[0058] Upon obtaining the target data supplying command 210, the
browser 80 supplies information 220 to the printer 10 (S86). In the
information 220, the JURL of the printer 10 (the JURL included in
the target data supplying command 210) is set as the destination
URL. In addition, the information 220 includes the target data 212
included in the target data supplying command 210 and the JID
included in the target data supplying command 210.
[0059] By having the print manager 78 supply the target data
supplying command 210 to the browser 80 as described above, the
browser 80 supplies the information 220 to the printer 10.
Accordingly, a target data supplying unit 98 of the PC 60 supplies
the target data 212 to the printer 10. As indicated by the arrow D2
in FIG. 1, this process is realized by the collaboration of the
print manager program 78, the browser program 80, and the OS
program 82.
[0060] The controlling unit 30 of the printer 10 obtains the
information 220 from the PC 60. Accordingly, a target data
obtaining unit 36 of the printer 10 obtains the target data 212
included in the information 220. Since the JURL of the printer 10
is set as the destination URL in the information 220, the target
data obtaining unit 36 obtains the target data 212 according to the
web server program.
[0061] Next, the controlling unit 30 of the printer 10 performs a
process for printing an image represented by the target data 212
(S88). As described above, when obtaining the notification command
180, the current print condition data obtaining unit 38 stores an
association of the current print condition data 182 and the JID in
the volatile memory (not shown). In S88, the controlling unit 30
obtains the current print condition data 182 associated with the
JID included in the information 220 from the volatile memory. The
controlling unit 30 then creates the print data from the target
data 212 according to the current print condition indicated by the
current print condition data 182. Specifically, the controlling
unit 30 creates the print data conforming to the document
orientation indicated by the current print condition data 182. In
the present embodiment, since the PC 60 creates the target data
conforming to the size, the resolution, and the paper size in S82,
the printer 10 need not perform a process for creating the target
data conforming to the size, the resolution, and the paper size. As
a result, the processing load on the controlling unit 30 is
reduced. Furthermore, the controlling unit 30 drives the print
mechanism 16 so that an image represented by the created print data
(in other words, the image represented by the target data 212) is
printed. In this case, the controlling unit 30 drives the print
mechanism 16 according to the number of copies and to whether or
not duplex printing is to be performed as indicated by the current
print condition data 182. Accordingly, the print mechanism 16
prints the image represented by the created print data (in other
words, the image represented by the target data 212) on a print
medium.
[0062] Once the printing is completed, the controlling unit 30
supplies a print end notification 230 to the PC 60. In the print
end notification 230, the port number MPN of the print manager 78
is set as the destination port number. Therefore, the print end
notification 230 is supplied to the print manager 78 of the PC 60.
Moreover, the print end notification 230 includes the JID, included
in the information 220.
[0063] The print manager 78 of the PC 60 obtains the print end
notification 230 from the printer 10. As described above, when
obtaining the notification of S44, the print manager 78 associates
the WID with the JID and stores the same in a volatile memory (not
shown). The print manager 78 obtains the WID associated with the
JID included in the print end notification 230 from the volatile
memory. Next, the print manager 78 makes a requirement requiring
the browser 80 to end the window display corresponding to the
obtained WID (S90). Specifically, the print manager 78 sends an end
command 240 including the WID to the browser 80. Upon obtaining the
end command 240, the browser 80 closes the window corresponding to
the WID included in the end command 240 (S92).
[0064] The first embodiment has been described in detail. According
to the present embodiment, the browser 80 of the PC 60 causes the
setting page 300 to be displayed on the display unit 62 according
to the setting page data 172 supplied from the printer 10 (560 in
FIG. 3). The user of the PC 60 can select (perform a click
operation on) a print button 306 in the setting page 300. In this
case, the browser 80 of the PC 60 supplies the notification command
180 to the printer 10 (S64 in FIG. 3). Upon obtaining the
notification command 180 from the PC 60, the printer 10 supplies
the job requirement command 200 to the PC 60 (570 in FIG. 3). In
response to the job requirement command 200 from the printer 10,
the PC 60 supplies the target data 212 to the printer 10 (S84 and
S86 in FIG. 3). In the present embodiment, since a configuration is
adopted in which the printer 10 makes a requirement requiring the
PC 60 to supply the target data 212, the PC 60 can supply the
target data 212 to the printer 10 in accordance with the
requirement (the job requirement command 200) from the printer 10.
In other words, even when the print button 306 in the setting page
300 is selected, the browser 80 of the PC 60 need not instruct a
predetermined module (e.g., the print manager 78) to supply the
target data 212. Therefore, the PC 60 can supply the target data
212 to the printer 10 when performing print is instructed on a web
page without having to add the aforementioned special mechanism to
the browser 80 of the PC 60.
[0065] The printer 10 sets the port number MPN of the print manager
78 to the destination port number and sends the job requirement
command 200 to the PC 60 (S70 in FIG. 3). In other words, the
printer 10 makes a requirement requiring the print manager 78 that
is software different from the browser 80 of the PC 60 to supply
the target data 212. In this case, the print manager 78 obtains the
requirement requiring to supply the target data 212 (job
requirement command 200) and supplies the target data 212 to the
printer 10. Since the browser 80 is not required to supply the
target data 212, the browser 80 need not instruct a predetermined
module (e.g., the print manager 78) to supply the target data
212.
[0066] The printer 10 supplies the setting page data 172
representing the setting page 300 including the setting field 302
for setting a print condition to the PC 60 (S50 in FIG. 3). Since
the printer 10 supplies the setting page data 172 to the PC 60, the
setting page data 172 need not be stored in advance in the PC 60.
In addition, the user of the PC 60 can set the current print
condition on the setting page 300. The PC 60 supplies current print
condition data 182 indicating the current print condition to the
printer 10 (S64 in FIG. 3). The printer 10 prints the image
represented by the target data 212 according to the current print
condition indicated by the current print condition data 182 (S88 in
FIG. 3). The printer 10 can print the image according to the
intentions of the user of the PC 60.
[0067] The printer 10 supplies the part print condition data 202 to
the PC 60 when making a requirement to supply target data (when
supplying the job requirement command 200) (S70 in FIG. 3).
Consequently, the PC 60 can create the target data 212 from the
original data 132 according to the part print condition data 202
and supply the created target data 212 to the printer 10.
[0068] When registration of the current print condition data 182 is
instructed from the PC 60 (if YES in S74 in FIG. 5), the printer 10
registers the current print condition data 182 in the non-volatile
memory 20 in association with, the CID of the PC 60. Therefore,
when the same PC 60 instructs the printer 10 to perform the next
print, the printer 10 can reuse the current print condition data
182. In other words, as indicated in S54 in FIG. 4, the printer 10
can create the setting page data representing the setting page 300
in which the registered print condition is described. Accordingly,
the user of the PC 60 can set the print condition to be used for
the print at this time while referring to the print condition
previously set by the user. On the other hand, when the
registration of the current print condition data 182 is not
instructed from the PC 60 (if NO in S74 in FIG. 5), the printer 10
does not register the current print condition data 182 in the
non-volatile memory 20. In this case, the printer 10 uses the
current print condition data 182 only for the print at this time
(S88 in FIG. 3). The printer 10 is capable of determining whether
or not to register the current print condition data 182 in the
memory 20 according to the intention of the user of the PC 60
regarding registration of the current print condition data 182.
[0069] In addition, the printer 10 supplies the status page data
192 representing the status page indicating the print situation of
the printer 10 to the PC 60 (S70 in FIG. 3). Accordingly, the user
of the PC 60 can know the print situation of the printer 10.
[0070] The PC 60 is an example of a "terminal device". In addition,
the print mechanism 16 is an example of a "print performing unit".
The print button 306 included in the setting page 300 is an example
of an "instruction button", and a first partial area which is a
part of the setting page 300 and which includes the print button
306 is an example of a "print instruction screen". Furthermore, a
second partial area which is a part of the setting page 300 and
which includes the setting field 302 is an example of a "print
setting screen". Therefore, among the setting page data 172, data
representing the first partial area and data representing the
second partial area respectively are examples of "print instruction
screen data" and "print setting screen data". The status page data
192 is an example of "status screen data".
[0071] In addition, the notification command 180 and the job
requirement command 200 respectively are examples of "selection
information" and "requirement". BPN and MPN respectively are
examples of a "first port number" and a "second port number". The
current print condition indicated by the current print condition
data 182 and the print condition described in S54 in FIG. 4
respectively are examples of a "first print condition" and a
"second print condition".
Second Embodiment
[0072] A second embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 7 to 9. Descriptions of configurations and processes similar
to those of the first embodiment will be omitted. FIG. 7
illustrates respective processes performed after the print
preparation command 130 illustrated in FIG. 2 is supplied from the
application 76 to the print manager 78. In FIG. 7, configurations
and processes similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted
using similar reference numbers. Simply stated, while print
condition data is registered in the printer 10 in the first
embodiment, print condition data 74 (refer to FIG. 1) is registered
in the PC 60 in the present embodiment.
[0073] Upon obtaining the print preparation command 130, the print
manager 78 sends the page obtaining requirement command 140 to the
browser 80. Unlike the first embodiment, the page obtaining
requirement command 140 in the present embodiment does not include
the CID of the PC 60. In addition, when the print condition data 74
(refer to FIG. 1) is registered in the memory 70 of the PC 60,
unlike the first embodiment, the page obtaining requirement command
140 includes print condition data 400 that is the same as the print
condition data 74. The print condition data 74 is print condition
data registered in the non-volatile memory 70 in the PC 60 in a
process of S202 to be described later during a previously-performed
print. Moreover, when the print condition data 74 is not registered
in the memory 70 of the PC 60, the page obtaining requirement
command 140 does not include the print condition data 400.
[0074] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, unlike the first
embodiment, the setting page requirement command 160 supplied to
the printer 10 from the browser 80 does not include the CID of the
PC 60. In addition, when print condition data 400 is included in
the page obtaining requirement command 140, unlike the first
embodiment, the setting page requirement command 160 includes the
print condition data 400. When the print condition data 400 is not
included in the page obtaining requirement command 140, the setting
page requirement command 160 does not include the print condition
data 400. The controlling unit 30 of the printer 10 obtains the
setting page requirement command 160 from the PC 60. Accordingly, a
registered print condition data obtaining unit 44 of the printer 10
obtains the print condition data 400 included in the setting page
requirement command 160. Upon obtaining the setting page
requirement command 160, the controlling unit 30 of the printer 10
executes a first response process (S150).
[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the first response process, the
screen data supplying unit 32 of the printer 10 determines whether
or not the print condition data 400 is included in the setting page
requirement command 160 (S152). If YES in S152, the screen data
supplying unit 32 writes the contents of the respective setting
items included in the print condition indicated by the print
condition data 400 into the setting field 302 of the setting page
template (S154). Accordingly, the setting page data is created
which represents the setting page 300 in which the print condition
indicated by the print condition data 400 is described. On the
other hand, in the case of NO in S152, the screen data supplying
unit 32 creates the setting page data representing the setting page
on which the default print condition is described in the same
manner as the process in S56 illustrated in FIG. 4 (S156).
[0076] Once S154 or S156 is completed, the screen data supplying
unit 32 supplies the setting page data generated in S154 or S156 to
the browser 80 of the PC 60 (S158). As illustrated in FIG. 7,
unlike the first embodiment, the information 170 supplied to the
browser 80 of the PC 60 in S158 does not include the CID of the PC
60.
[0077] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, unlike the first
embodiment, the notification command 180 supplied to the printer 10
from the browser 80 does not include the CID of the PC 60. Upon
obtaining the notification command 180 from the PC 60, the
controlling unit 30 of the printer 10 executes a second response
process (S170).
[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the second response process, a
return unit 42 of the printer 10 determines whether or not the
registration information 184 included in the notification command
180 indicates "YES" (in other words, "YES" of the registration
button 304 illustrated in FIG. 6) (S172). If YES in S172, the
return unit 42 adds the current print condition data 182 included
in the notification command 180 to the status page data 192
representing the status page indicating the print situation of the
printer 10 (S174). Upon completion of S174, the return unit 42
proceeds to S176. On the other hand, if NO in S174 (in other words,
when the registration information 184 indicates "NO"), the return
unit 42 skips S174 and proceeds to S176.
[0079] In S176, the information 190 including the status page data
192 is supplied to the PC 60. In S176 performed after performing
S174, the screen data supplying unit 32 and the return unit 42
supply the information 190 including the current print condition
data 182 to the PC 60. Accordingly, the current print condition
data 182 is returned to the PC 60. On the other hand, in S176
performed without performing S174, the screen data supplying unit
32 supplies the information 190 not including the current print
condition data 182 to the PC 60. That is, in this case, the current
print condition data 182 is not returned to the PC 60. Next, the
target data requiring unit 34 of the printer 10 supplies the job
requirement command 200 to the print manager 78 of the PC 60
(S178).
[0080] The browser 80 of the PC 60 obtains the information 190 from
the printer 10. When the current print condition data 182 is
included in the information 190, the browser 80 instructs the print
manager 78 to register the current print condition data 182 (S200).
Specifically, the browser 80 sends a registration command 410
including the current print condition data 182 to the print manager
78. Upon obtaining the registration command 410, the print manager
78 registers the current print condition data 182 included in the
registration command 410 in the non-volatile memory 70 (S202). When
the print condition data 74 is already registered in the memory 70,
in S202, the print manager 78 newly registers the current print
condition data 182 in place of the print condition data 74. In
other words, the print manager 78 erases the print condition data
74 from the memory 70 and newly stores current print condition data
182 in the memory 70.
[0081] Moreover, processes performed by the PC 60 in accordance
with the job requirement command 200 (S82, S84, S86), the print
process performed by the printer 10 (S88), and subsequent processes
(refer to S90 and S92 in FIG. 3) are the same as in the first
embodiment.
[0082] The second embodiment has been described in detail.
According to the present embodiment, the printer 10 returns the
current print condition data 182 to the PC 60 so that the current
print condition data 182 is registered in the PC 60 (S170 in FIG.
7). In the present embodiment, since the current print condition
data 182 is registered in the PC 60 unlike the first embodiment,
the printer 10 need not register the current print condition data
182. Therefore, the amount of data to be stored by the printer 10
whose non-volatile memory 20 has a relatively small capacity can be
reduced.
[0083] The printer 10 obtains the print condition data 400
registered in the PC 60 and supplies the setting page data
representing the setting page 300 in which a print condition
indicated by the print condition data 400 is described to the PC 60
(S154, S158 in FIG. 8). Therefore, the user of the PC 60 can set a
print condition to be used for the print at this time while
referring to the print condition previously set by the user. In
addition, the current print condition data 182 indicating the print
condition set by the user upon the print at this time is registered
in the PC 60 in place of the print condition data 400 (S202).
Consequently, print condition data used in the latest print can be
registered in the PC 60.
[0084] When the registration information 184 indicating the
registration of the current print condition data 182 is obtained
(if YES in S172 in FIG. 9), the printer 10 returns the current
print condition data 182 to the PC 60, and when registration
information 184 indicating the registration of the current print
condition data 182 is not obtained (if NO in S172 in FIG. 9), the
printer 10 does not return the current print condition data 182 to
the PC 60. That is, the printer 10 can determine whether or not to
register the current print condition data 182 in the PC 60
according to contents of the registration information 184 from the
PC 60. In other words, the printer 10 is capable of determining
whether or not to register the current print condition data 182 in
the PC 60 according to the intention of the user of the PC 60
regarding registration of the current print condition data 182.
[0085] Moreover, in the present, embodiment, the print condition
data 400 (the print condition data 74 in FIG. 1) is an example of
"registered print condition data". The print condition indicated by
the print condition data 400 (the print condition described in S154
in HQ 8) is an example of a "third print condition". In addition,
the registration information 184 indicating "YES" is an example of
"information indicating a registration of the current print
condition data".
[0086] Modifications of the foregoing embodiments will be listed
below.
[0087] (1) In the foregoing embodiments, the respective pieces of
information 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 220, and 230 communicated
between the printer 10 and the PC 60 are directly exchanged.
However, when a mediation server is interposed between the printer
10 and the PC 60, the information may be indirectly exchanged via
the mediation server.
[0088] (2) In the foregoing embodiments, the setting page 300
includes both the setting field 302 and the print button 306.
However, e.g., the printer 10 may supply first page data
representing a first web page which includes the setting field 302
but not the print button 306 to the PC 60, and after obtaining the
current print condition data indicating the print condition set by
the user on the first web page, the printer 10 may supply second
page data representing a second web page which does not include the
setting field 302 but includes the print button 306 to the PC 60.
In other words in a more generalized manner, while a single web
page (the setting page 300) is represented by print instruction
screen data and print setting screen data in the foregoing
embodiments, the print instruction screen data may represent a
single web page and the print setting screen data may represent a
different single web page. In this case, the printer 10 may supply
the print setting screen data to the terminal device before
supplying the print instruction screen data. The printer 10 may
supply the print instruction screen data to the terminal device
after obtaining the current print condition data.
[0089] (3) In the foregoing embodiments, the part print condition
data 202 indicates contents of the three setting items of color,
resolution, and paper size. However, the pert print condition data
202 may alternatively indicate contents of only one or two setting
items among the three setting items of color, resolution, and paper
size. Alternatively, the part print condition data 202 may indicate
contents of four (e.g., to additionally include document
orientation) or more setting items.
[0090] (4) The printer 10 may additionally include a scanner
function, a facsimile function, a phone function, an e-mail
function, or the like. In other words, generally speaking, a
"printer" is to encompass a multi-function device, that is a
peripheral device of a PC.
[0091] (5) In the foregoing embodiment, respective units 32 to 44
are realized as a result of the controlling unit 30 performing the
processes according to the program 26. Nevertheless, at least one
unit of respective units 32 to 44 may alternately be realized by a
hardware resource such as a logic circuit. Similar to this, at
least one unit of respective units 92 to 98 may alternately be
realized by a hardware resource such as a logic circuit.
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